Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:44 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned at the cost of medical indemnity insurance; and the plans, if any, he has to deal with the problem.
Written Answers. - Medical Indemnity Insurance.
I have been concerned for some time at the escalating cost of providing medical indemnity. It was the main reason for the establishment of the Interdepartmental Working Group which is examining the whole area of medical indemnity. The group has completed the first phase of its remit and has submitted its interim report to me.
A revised medical indemnity scheme has been introduced for non-consultant hospital doctors, dentists and community doctors as a consequence of the first phase of the group's work.
The group is now proceeding with the second phase of its remit which will include an examination of possible long term alternative systems of providing indemnity and of compensating patients who are victims of medical accidents. I intend to await the outcome of the group's final report before deciding on any particular course of action.